Quick Read
- The 2026 WWE Royal Rumble takes place on Saturday, January 31, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- The event is exclusively streaming on the ESPN Unlimited platform, starting at 2 p.m. ET.
- AJ Styles vs. Gunther and Drew McIntyre vs. Sami Zayn are featured matches.
- Winners of the Men’s and Women’s Royal Rumble matches secure spots at WrestleMania in Las Vegas.
- ESPN Unlimited is available for $29.99/month or bundled with Disney+ and Hulu for $35.99/month.
RIYADH (Azat TV) – The highly anticipated 2026 WWE Royal Rumble is set to electrify fans this Saturday, January 31, from the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking a significant global footprint for the wrestling giant. This year’s event, crucial for determining contenders for WrestleMania in Las Vegas, will be exclusively available to viewers through the revamped ESPN Unlimited streaming platform, highlighting a growing trend in major sports and entertainment distribution.
The Royal Rumble is one of WWE’s most iconic annual events, known for its unique Royal Rumble matches where dozens of competitors enter the ring at timed intervals, aiming to eliminate opponents by throwing them over the top rope until only one stands victorious. These victors earn guaranteed championship opportunities at WrestleMania, making the stakes exceptionally high. Beyond the signature Rumble matches, the event also features high-profile championship bouts, ensuring a night of intense action for wrestling enthusiasts worldwide.
Royal Rumble 2026: Key Matches and Stakes
The 2026 WWE Royal Rumble will feature a compelling lineup of matches, headlined by a highly anticipated clash between AJ Styles and Gunther. Another significant bout on the fight card sees Undisputed WWE Champion Drew McIntyre defending his title against Sami Zayn, promising a heated contest with championship implications. However, the core of the event remains the men’s and women’s Royal Rumble matches.
These multi-competitor elimination contests are the cornerstone of the Royal Rumble tradition. More than a dozen of wrestling’s elite will vie for supremacy, with the last man and woman standing securing coveted spots in a World Championship Match at WrestleMania, scheduled for April in Las Vegas. The unpredictable nature of these matches, with surprise entrants and dramatic eliminations, makes them a perennial fan favorite.
Exclusive Streaming Access via ESPN Unlimited
For fans eager to catch every moment of the 2026 WWE Royal Rumble, the event will be broadcast exclusively on the ESPN Unlimited streaming platform. Pre-show coverage is scheduled to begin live at 12 p.m. ET (9 a.m. PT), with the main fights kicking off at 2 p.m. ET (11 a.m. PT). This exclusive arrangement underscores the growing importance of dedicated streaming services for major sports and entertainment events.
ESPN Unlimited, ESPN’s revamped streaming platform, is designed to offer subscribers an extensive array of live sporting events, original studio shows, and acclaimed series. Priced at $29.99 per month or $299.99 annually, the service provides access to all of ESPN’s linear networks, including ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SECN, ACCN, ESPNews, and ESPN Deportes. Additionally, it features programming from ABC, ESPN+, ESPN3, SECN+, and ACCNX, collectively offering coverage of over 47,000 live events each year, alongside on-demand replays and exclusive original content, according to Yahoo Sports.
For those looking to maximize their entertainment options, ESPN Unlimited is also available as part of a bundle deal with Disney+ and Hulu for $35.99 per month. This bundled offering provides significant savings and access to a broader spectrum of movies, television shows, and sports content, representing a strategic move by ESPN to attract a wider subscriber base through integrated media packages.
Full Roster for Men’s and Women’s Royal Rumbles
The Men’s Royal Rumble match is set to feature a star-studded lineup of competitors, including fan favorites and rising talents. Among those confirmed to participate are Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes, Gunther, Brock Lesnar, Jey Uso, Rey Mysterio, Dragon Lee, Penta, Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed, Logan Paul, Austin Theory, Je’Von Evans, and Oba Femi. Each competitor brings a unique style and a burning desire to secure a championship opportunity at WrestleMania.
Similarly, the Women’s Royal Rumble match promises fierce competition with a roster of formidable athletes. Participants include Rhea Ripley, IYO SKY, Bayley, Lyra Valkyria, Liv Morgan, Roxanne Perez, Raquel Rodriguez, Asuka, Jordynne Grace, Becky Lynch, Chelsea Green, Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss, Nia Jax, Lash Legend, Giulia, and Maxxine Dupri. The women’s division has seen explosive growth in recent years, and this year’s Royal Rumble is expected to showcase its depth and talent.
The exclusive broadcast of the WWE Royal Rumble on ESPN Unlimited, coupled with its availability in a comprehensive streaming bundle, reflects the evolving landscape of sports media, where major events are increasingly leveraged to drive subscriptions to integrated digital platforms, transforming how audiences access premium content.